Serial killer Bellfield lied about student's murder, Met decides

Detectives have decided that the convicted serial killer Levi Bellfield was lying when he made repeated sworn confessions to the kidnap, murder and burial of Elizabeth Chau, who went missing in 1999, the Guardian has learned.

Head 'feared Ofsted report would destroy her career'

Ruth Perry feared her career as a headteacher was being \"destroyed\" by a hostile Ofsted inspection, telling her husband the lead inspector \"was a bully\" with an agenda, an inquest into her death was told

Teenagers found dead in car in north Wales drowned, says coroner

Four teenagers drowned after the vehicle they were in left a road in north Wales, a coroner has said.

Rwanda Tutsi saviour's daughters denounce legal system

The Rwandan legal system is incapable of protecting refugees sent from the UK, according to the daughters of Paul Rusesabagina, the man who inspired the Oscar-nominated movie Hotel Rwanda.

More than 17,000 asylum seekers are missing, Home Office tells MPs

Rishi Sunak has been accused of losing control of the UK's borders after the Home Office admitted it does not know the whereabouts of 17,000 people whose asylum claims have been withdrawn.

The forgotten Botticelli: masterpiece rediscovered after 50 years

A painting by Sandro Botticelli which is said to have been forgotten for more than 50 years after disappearing from the Italian state's art records has been recovered from a family home near Naples.

Sunak rejects von der Leyen claim that UK could rejoin EU

Rishi Sunak has rejected the suggestion that Brexit could be in peril after Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, claimed that the UK could be on a path to rejoining the EU.

Hamas claims youngest hostage killed by Israel

A 10-month-old who was the youngest hostage kidnapped and taken to Gaza has reportedly been killed by Israeli bombing with his mother and brother, Hamas has claimed.

Nottingham city council effectively bankrupt as it reveals big gap in its budget

Nottingham city council has issued a section 114 notice, in effect declaring itself bankrupt, as experts warn an increasing number of councils are \"reaching breaking point\".

Gove 'Sorry For Errors Of Government' In Pandemic, Inquiry Told

Michael Gove has apologised for mistakes made by the government during the Covid pandemic, saying the UK was too slow to lock down early in 2020 and then again that autumn.

Disease Could Kill More People In Gaza Than The War, UN Warns

Gaza is not getting enough aid to meet basic emergency needs, the UN has warned, and the population is so ravaged by hunger, bombing and lack of clean water that deaths from disease could outstrip those from the war.

United target four signings with doubts over Amrabat

Manchester United are aiming to strengthen in four positions in January, with concerns over Sofyan Amrabat's indifferent start prompting the club to consider a move for a defensive midfielder.

City seal top spot after late Álvarez strike completes stirring fightback

Pep Guardiola can be proud of his players' fight for transforming what appeared certain defeat when Manchester City trailed 2-0 at half-time into a late victory.

Mead says 'the sky's the limit' as clubs vote for new body to run game

Beth Mead has said \"the sky's the limit\" following the decision of Women's Super League and Championship clubs to vote to form an independent organisation to run the women's professional game.

return for Lawes No England but a Lions call is tempting

Courtney Lawes may have retired from international duty with England, but he would play for the British & Irish Lions in Australia in 2025 if asked.

Woods 'frustrated' by Saudi framework agreement with tours

Deadline of 31 December fast approaching for commercial partnership to be finalised

Fast fashion giant Shein rumoured to be seeking public listing in the US

Fast fashion giant Shein has reportedly lodged confidential paperwork with US securities regulators, informing them of an intention to go public.

Biden and Clintons pay tribute to former first lady Rosalynn Carter

A tribute service for Rosalynn Carter took place yesterday, as politicians and public figures gathered to celebrate the former first lady's life following her death last Sunday.

Finland to close entire border with Russia after surge in asylum seekers

Finland has announced it is temporarily closing its entire border with Russia after weeks of tensions between the countries over asylum seekers that Helsinki has labelled a \"hybrid operation\" by Moscow.

Teenager wrote plan for how to kill trans schoolgirl Brianna Ghey, court hears

A girl accused of murdering Brianna Ghey wrote a plan for how to kill the transgender teenager - including the exact time, date and location, a court has heard.

Cambridge chapel shows off first of its controversial solar panels

For traditionalists, the unveiling of the first of 492 discreet solar panels on the roof of King's College chapel in Cambridge may have been a dark day.

Ahed Tamimi Palestinian activist among 50 prisoners listed for release

Another 50 Palestinian prisoners and detainees in Israeli jails have been put forward as candidates for release after the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas was extended for another two days - including the high profile activist Ahed Tamimi.

In captivity Suffocating rooms, sweets and threats with weapons

A 12-year-old boy who was held hostage in Gaza for 52 days was forced in captivity to watch videos of the atrocities of 7 October, his aunt claimed.

CIA and Mossad chiefs fly to Qatar for talks on how to extend ceasefire

US and Israeli spy chiefs have flown to Qatar for talks on how to extend the truce in Gaza in exchange for the release of more hostages by Hamas.

Taking regular brisk walks linked to reduced risk of type 2 diabetes

Walking faster is linked to a significantly lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to the first global study of its kind.

Back up to 11: stars to join Spinal Tap for sequel to classic cult rockumentary

When it comes to celebrity cameos, the makers of the This Is Spinal Tap sequel are turning it up to 11.

Deal to revive hope of 1.5C target 'within reach' at Cop28

An \"unprecedented outcome\" that would keep alive hopes of limiting global temperature rises to 1.5C is within reach, the president-designate of the UN Cop28 climate summit has said - and even Saudi Arabia is expected to come with positive commitments.

Marbles snub raises fears for EU relations

Rishi Sunak's snub of his Greek counterpart over the Parthenon marbles raised fresh questions about Britain's fraught relations with its European neighbours yesterday as a war of words between Athens and London escalated.

Relief as all 41 Indian workers are rescued from collapsed tunnel

All 41 of the Indian labourers who had been trapped in a collapsed road tunnel in the Himalayas for a gruelling 17 days were rescued yesterday after an operation beset by multiple obstacles, delays and false promises of imminent rescue.

Willian's pair of penalties help Fulham earn dramatic victory

Fulham secured their first win in five matches after Willian scored his second penalty of the night deep into added time.